Whether driving on city streets or superhighways you’ll share the road with vehicles that range in size. To manage time and space near larger vehicles you will need to understand their characteristics and limitations.

How Can You Safely Share the Roadway with Other Vehicles?

Keep in mind that differences in size, shape, and weight of a vehicle affect handling ability as well as the amount of visibility a driver has.

• Trucks and Tractor Trailers

Trucks on the road today can be up to 120 feet long and weigh up to 60 tons. That’s about eight times as long as the average car and 60 times heavier. 

• Visibility

Truck drivers sit high above the surface of the roadway and have excellent visibility ahead. However, it is hard for them to see what is to the side of and behind the truck. Trucks create visibility problems for other drivers as it’s difficult to see traffic or the roadway ahead

• Time

Handling a truck is more difficult than handling a car. When passing a truck allow more time than you’d need in order to pass a car. Not only is the truck longer, but its bulk creates a wind factor that you’ll have to be aware of as you steer around the vehicle.

• Space

Trucks take up more room on the roadway than do cars so increase your following distance when you’re behind a truck. Remember that a truck requires a wide turning space and more time and space to stop than cars do.  

• Buses

The same visibility and handling factors that pertain to trucks also pertain to buses. Remember that local buses stop frequently to pick up and discharge passengers which often disrupts traffic flow in the process. You should be especially careful when you approach or pass a stopped bus, reduce your speed and keep alert. 

Drivers traveling in either direction on an undivided roadway must stop for a school bus that has flashing red lights to indicate it is picking up or dropping off children.

• Small Cars

Small cars have less power than larger cars and cost less to buy. When driving a small car allow yourself extra space and time to pass another vehicle. Give small cars extra room when roads are slippery or there are strong winds as lightweight cars tend to skid more easily on slick roads.

Other Kinds of Vehicles

You may encounter other kinds of vehicles on the roadway.

• Emergency Vehicles

When you meet ambulances, police cars, and fire trucks with lights flashing or sirens on, you should yield the right of way. Pull over to the right side of the road and stop and provide a clear path for the emergency vehicle. If a light at an intersection stay stopped even if the lights turn green. 

•  Snowmobiles

Snowmobiles are allowed on certain roads in some states. Allow extra time and space to adjust to any maneuver that a snowmobile makes.

• Ice Cream Trucks

Approach ice cream trucks cautiously. Watch for children darting into the street and emerging from between parked cars. 

• Recreational Vehicles

Recreational vehicles are harder than cars for drivers to handle because of their size and weight. Remember that recreational vehicles can increase in speed rapidly. 

• Maintenance Vehicles 

Road work involves vehicles of many sizes and shapes with the potential to disrupt traffic. Drivers need to be alert to such vehicles and to adjust speed and position to accommodate sudden moves.

How Do You Deal With Slow Moving Vehicles?

Slow moving vehicles, and various special purpose vehicles move at a slow speed because they don’t have the power to move any faster. These vehicles often display special signs identifying them as slow-moving. If you decide to pass, do so safely and only where it is legal to pass.